Bryn Mawr - Minneapolis, MN

In the 1980s, when many city residents fled to the suburbs, affordable housing made Bryn Mawr a welcoming place for young single people, the LGBT community, artists and musicians. Today, the resurgence of interest in city living has made Bryn Mawr a target for building additions to homes and tearing down existing homes to build larger houses that attract affluent families.

The neighborhood holds onto its history — and its offbeat, alternative reputation — through events such as Saturnalia, a December street party featuring drum music, giant puppets, sleigh rides and fresh-roasted chestnuts. The Bryn Mawr Festival of Garage Sales in May has become a spring staple. The huge shopping extravaganza attracts bargain hunters and the food carts that feed them. An annual garden tour nods to the neighborhood's early 20th century identity as the city's garden district.

The Cuppa Java coffee shop serves as Bryn Mawr's social hub. By day, this coffee shop attracts laptop-toting workers and stroller-pushing moms, all hoping — and likely — to run into a familiar face. The scene stays lively at night, thanks to a liquor license and casual dining menu.

Across the street, Bryn Mawr Pizza and Deli (known by locals as Fast Freddie's) bakes traditional hand-tossed pizzas with standard or oddball toppings, such as walnuts and sweet corn. Satisfying homemade soups and sandwiches round out the menu. Many diners opt for takeout, since there's limited seating inside.

Sparks, the neighborhood's nicest sit-down dining establishment, proved so popular that it had to double its space to meet the demand. A wood-burning oven fires up food in style, and makes the room a cozy place to share a bottle of wine. A slight Mediterranean flair infuses many of the dishes, but the standbys include pizza, roasted French fries and Korean tacos.

There are many nightclubs and music venues just outside of the neighborhood. REV Ultra Lounge, the Pourhouse, and Bar Fly are all great places to grab a drink and dance to whatever the DJ is spinning that night. Be sure to check out the calendar for Spades Nightclub for a list of upcoming, live, performances.

Central location, easy access to the freeways and an excellent bike trail system make getting in and out of Bryn Mawr a cinch. The Cedar Lake Trail runs in all seasons, and connects bike commuters to downtown, South Minneapolis and the suburbs. As for travel within this little neighborhood, most people opt to walk, which adds to the neighborliness. You can't hail a cab here, but they come quickly when called, as does Uber. An Hour Car lives in the school parking lot, serving those who only occasionally drive. Streetside parking is free and abundant. Only one bus line serves Bryn Mawr, which runs from St. Louis Park to downtown Minneapolis. Interstate 394 runs along the neighborhood's southern border, dividing it from the rest of south Minneapolis.

Parkland surrounds Bryn Mawr on all sides. To the east, Bryn Mawr Meadows is an expansive city park with a playground and wading pool, ball fields — including cricket — and an ice rink. To the south, the Cedar Lake bike trail runs through a restored prairie, and you can easily walk to Cedar Lake for a swim. To the north runs Bassett Creek, whose clean, clear waters are famously bottled by the Glenwood Inglewood company. The Theodore Wirth Park stands as the crown jewel of Bryn Mawr. The largest park in Minneapolis, Wirth encompasses the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, a golf course, a Nordic ski center, the Wirth Lake swimming beach and miles of trails that attract the fit, the contemplative and a small population of deer and coyote. The neighborhood plays host to Minneapolis' annual ski Loppet, which runs through the park and along the neighborhood. Naturally, residents come out to cheer on the racers and offer snacks to the weary.

Housing in Bryn Mawr is on the high end of things. A handful of apartments, including spaces above the tiny historic business district, enable young people to be a part of the community. A one bedroom apartment typically rents for $800.

Bryn Mawr's tiny, but mighty, business district gives the neighborhood its heart and soul. Housed in a historic brown-brick storefront, the Bryn Mawr Market has become a social hub. Neighbors drop by to pick up a gallon of milk, a loaf of artisan sandwich bread and some local, organic produce. It's a critical amenity, since the area doesn't have a nearby grocery - the nearest supermarket option is Costco, in the neighboring suburb of St. Louis Park.

Across the street, Studio 411 Salon and Spa pampers and beautifies the residents. And next door to the salon, Cockadoodledoo Gifts of Bryn Mawr sells unique home decor, vintage objects de art, gifts and garden items. Every year, the shop's street-side courtyard also hosts Santa Claus in an ornate sleigh. Bassett Creek Arts showcases artwork by diverse area artists and provides picture-framing services.

Healthy living is important to Bryn Mawr residents, and the neighborhood supports Natural Step Tai Chi, a Tai Chi Studio, and Clear Holistic Therapies, a yoga and wellness studio.